FRANKLIN—It’s unlikely that there will be a Christmas parade in downtown Franklin this year, according to Dan Howe, executive director of the Downtown Franklin Association.

“As it stands right now, we don’t have one,” Howe said Friday.

If there isn’t a parade, it will be the second year in a row the annual event hasn’t happened. Last year’s parade was canceled due to rain.

Howe said the DFA doesn’t typically host the parade, but does support other groups that do. Parade prospects also looked dim two years ago when the GFWC Junior Woman’s Club, which had sponsored the event for eight years, was unable to carry on the tradition because of declining membership and funds.

That year, the city stepped in to save the parade. Howe said the DFA has a parade template, and planning should really begin in the late summer or early fall.

“As it stands right now, there are no groups that have come forward to actually take it over from groups in the past,” he said. “You’ve got to have a lot of people to put it all together. I just don’t have the volunteer base to do it myself.”

Howe said there are still plenty of events in the area to ring in the holidays, including the DFA’s annual elf parade on Friday, Dec. 3.

“You hate not to have a Christmas parade,” he said. “Maybe there will be a group that comes forward. But if they do, they need to get in touch with us earlier so I can give them the information.”

CHRISTMAS PARADES

■ The Carrsville Ruritan Club will sponsor the annual Carrsville Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in downtown Carrsville. After the parade, Santa will be at the firehouse. This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of Rhonda Perry, who was the founder and chairwoman of this event. If anyone would like to participate, call Clay Byrum at (757) 516-6798 or (757) 334-2530.
■ The Smithfield Christmas parade will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, in the historic downtown. To participate, contact Terry Thompson Rhinier at (757) 357-2214 or terry.thompson@iwus.net.
■ The Boykins Christmas Parade will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Sponsored by the GFWC Tarrara Woman’s Club, Boykins Lions Club and the Town of Boykins, the parade will start past Beechwood Cemetery on Route 35. If anyone wants to place an entry in the parade, call 654-6584.